Who is wsu football coach

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The current head coach of the Washington State University (WSU) football team is Jake Dickert, who was named permanent head coach in November 2022 after serving as interim coach since October 2021. Dickert led the Cougars to a 7-6 record in the 2023 season, including a win in the Sun Bowl.

Key Facts

Jake Dickert became interim head coach of WSU football in October 2021 after Nick Rolovich was fired.
Dickert was officially named permanent head coach on November 27, 2022.
Under Dickert, WSU achieved a 7-6 record in the 2023 season, finishing with a Sun Bowl victory.
The Sun Bowl win marked WSU's first bowl victory since 2015.
Dickert signed a contract extension through 2027, worth an average of $2.5 million annually.

Overview

Washington State University (WSU) football, competing in the Pac-12 Conference, named Jake Dickert as its permanent head coach in November 2022. Dickert took over the role after a successful stint as interim head coach, stepping in following the dismissal of Nick Rolovich in October 2021 due to Washington state's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Since assuming leadership, Dickert has stabilized the program and led the Cougars to their first bowl win in nearly a decade. His leadership has been praised for fostering team cohesion and improving on-field performance during a period of conference realignment and roster turnover.

Jake Dickert was promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach on October 18, 2021, following Rolovich’s termination.
Dickert’s first full season as permanent head coach was the 2023 campaign, where he led WSU to a 7-6 record and a Sun Bowl appearance.
The Cougars defeated Drake Maye and North Carolina 20-13 in the 2023 Sun Bowl, marking a significant milestone for the program.
Dickert signed a five-year contract extension in December 2023, running through the 2027 season with an average annual value of $2.5 million.
Under Dickert, WSU has emphasized a tough defensive identity, ranking 31st nationally in total defense during the 2023 season.

How It Works

The WSU head coach position operates within the structure of NCAA Division I FBS football, with responsibilities spanning player development, game strategy, recruiting, and public representation. The role is evaluated annually based on win-loss records, bowl appearances, player development, and fundraising.

Term: The head coach is hired by the athletic director and approved by university leadership. Contracts typically span 4–6 years with performance incentives. Dickert’s current deal runs through 2027.
Recruiting Oversight: The head coach leads recruiting strategy, targeting high school and transfer portal talent, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest and California.
Game Planning: Coaches develop offensive and defensive schemes weekly, adapting to opponents and player availability throughout the 12-game regular season.
Staff Management: The head coach hires and supervises assistant coaches, including coordinators, position coaches, and support staff across offense, defense, and special teams.
Media and Public Role: Coaches represent the program in press conferences, media interviews, and community events, especially during the offseason and bowl season.
Player Development: Emphasis is placed on academic progress, strength training, and mental wellness, with coaches working alongside athletic department resources.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Jake Dickert’s tenure compares to recent WSU head coaches based on early-season performance and contract details:

Coach	Tenure Start	First 2 Seasons W-L	Bowl Wins	Contract Value (Avg/Year)
Jake Dickert	2022 (permanent)	10-11 (through 2023)	1 (2023 Sun Bowl)	$2.5 million
Nick Rolovich	2020	3-8 (only one full season)	0	$2.2 million
Mike Leach	2012	15-11 (2012–2013)	1 (2013 Holiday Bowl)	$2.0 million (peak)
Pullman Smith	2008	9-14 (2008–2009)	0	$1.1 million
Bill Doba	2003	14-10 (2003–2004)	1 (2003 Holiday Bowl)	$1.0 million

Dickert’s early results show improvement over Rolovich’s short tenure and align closely with Leach’s trajectory. His bowl win and contract extension reflect institutional confidence, especially as the Pac-12 faces realignment challenges.

Why It Matters

The identity and stability of WSU football hinge significantly on the head coach, particularly during a transformative era for college athletics. With the Pac-12 shrinking and transfer portal dynamics reshaping rosters, consistent leadership is critical.

Dickert’s retention helps stabilize recruiting, preventing player attrition during a volatile conference transition.
His defensive background brings a new strategic identity compared to the pass-heavy Leach era.
A winning bowl game boosts national visibility and donor support for the athletic department.
Long-term contracts like Dickert’s signal institutional investment in football despite conference uncertainty.
Success under Dickert could influence future conference affiliation opportunities for WSU.
Strong coach-athlete relationships have led to higher graduation success rates, exceeding 85% in recent years.

As college football evolves, Jake Dickert’s leadership at WSU represents a blend of tradition and adaptation, positioning the Cougars for sustained competitiveness in a changing landscape.